Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word---such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace---to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.

What a beautiful devotional, Dwelling Places by Lucinda Secrest McDowell is! Divided into four seasons, and focusing on the simple ways to dwell (Fall), shine (Advent), renew (Lent) and grow (Summer), we are presented with a daily way to seek peace in a new day. A small book in size (4.5" x 7" x 3/4"thick), it'll be perfect in by your bedside, next to your favorite chair looking out the window, or in your purse, being with you whenever the moment strikes. This devotional is not dated, except in the groupings of the seasons, which doesn't mean you'll need to follow. What I find most alluring is the daily focus on one word from a Biblical verse. And from there, a sharing of thoughts and of stories, past and present. Not meant as a study guide to the Word, but more of a companion journal for your personal journey to think, feel and find serenity in God's words. Dwelling Places motivates you to dwell, and pray and speak to God of what's in your heart.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including Live These Words, Amazed by Grace, and Quilts from Heaven. She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry Encouraging Words. An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers' conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from "Sunnyside" cottage in Connecticut.